Hoi An’s Open Air Market: Color, Chaos, and Culture Through the Camera Lens

Rob Hammer October 11, 2025

Photographs of Hoi An’s Open Air Market in Vietnam

First Impressions of Hoi An’s Market

Hoi An has a rhythm all its own, and nowhere is that more alive than in its open air market. The morning I walked through, the air was heavy with the scent of lemongrass and fresh fish. Woman in colorful clothes and conical hats called out aggressively, bargaining with customers who darted from stall to stall. I felt like I had stepped straight into the city’s pulse and was stimulated by all five senses. There is a reason Vietnam’s markets are so famous, because there is nothing else like them in the world!

It wasn’t staged for tourists. It wasn’t polished or quiet. It was busy, messy, colorful—and absolutely real. Come to think of it, I can’t remember seeing one other person at the market who wasn’t Vietnamese. As a photographer, that kind of energy is gold. Every direction I turned, there was a new scene unfolding: a pile of dragon fruit glowing under the morning sun, women throwing water on their fish, and scooters weaving through crowds loaded with fresh greens.

The Details That Make It Special

Markets like this are all about details. The textures of weathered hands scooping rice, the metallic shine of fish laid out on woven mats, the soft lines of conical hats leaning in the corner. Light spilled in from gaps between tarps, bouncing off everything—bright oranges, deep greens, pale pinks.

I slowed down, tried to blend into the background, and let the camera do the watching. The result was a series of photographs that capture not just what the Hoi An market looks like, but what it feels like to be there. These are the kinds of images that carry memory and emotion, long after the morning rush has faded.

Hoi An Market Photography and Prints

Photographs from Hoi An’s market aren’t just travel snapshots—they’re visual records of daily life in Vietnam. For collectors, designers, or editors, these images translate into striking prints or versatile editorial visuals.

Whether it’s a wide scene of the market’s bustle or a close detail of produce piled high, these photographs work as fine art wall prints, as editorial spreads for travel publications, or as authentic imagery for brands looking to highlight Southeast Asian culture.

Authentic Vietnamese Market Images for Licensing

For anyone searching for stock photos or licensing imagery of Vietnam, authenticity matters. These photographs were taken on the ground, in the real flow of the market—not staged or recreated. That means they carry the credibility that audiences are drawn to.

Editors can use them to anchor travel stories. Brands can bring them into campaigns that celebrate culture, color, and connection. Interior designers might even use them to create a vibrant focal point in a restaurant or office space.

If you’re looking for images that convey the spirit of a Vietnamese open air market—colorful, crowded, and deeply human—this collection is available for licensing and prints. Contact me for details - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Photograph of the Hoi An Market in Vietnam — Hoi An Market - Vietnam

Photograph of a Vietnamese woman in a beautiful blue Non La — Vietnamese woman in blue Non La

Photograph of woman buying meat from a street vendor in Vietnam — Buy meat at the Hoi An Market

Large bowls of fresh seafood at an Open Air Market — Bowls of fresh seafood at open air market

Photograph of a street vendor selling fresh prawns at the Hoi An Market in Vietnam — Seafood street vendor in Hoi An

Man riding motorbike past a street vendor selling fresh seafood in Vietnam — Motor biking through Hoi An Market

Photograph of a woman selling squid at an open air market in Vietnam — Fresh squid for sale at open air market

Piles of fresh chickens for sale at Vietnamese open air market — Fresh chickens marked with ink stamp

Woman sitting on stools cutting up fish for sale at Hoi An Market — Cutting up fish at Hoi An Market

Photograph of fresh eggs piled high on top of a motorbike at the Hoi An Market — Motorbike piled with fresh eggs

Woman in Non La buying meat from a street vendor — Woman in conical hat buying meat at open air market

Photograph of kids sleeping at Hoi An Market — Kids sleeping at Hoi An Market

Vietnamese women in Non La's on street in Hoi An — Woman in traditional Vietnamese hats selling food on street

Photograph of a man on his motorbike pulled up to a street vendor selling meat at the Hoi An Market — Man on motorbike buying meat from street vendor

Piles of fresh fish for sale at the Hoi An Market in Vietnam — Piles of fish for sale at open air market

Photograph of woman riding her bicycle in a Non La in Vietnam — Woman in Non La riding bicycle

Street food at the Hoi An Market, Vietnam — Open air market - Hoi An

Photograph of a Hoi An street vendor — Street vendors - Hoi An, Vietnam

Fresh seafood vendors at the Hoi An Market — Seafood for sale on the street in Vietnam

Photograph of people filling the street at the Hoi An Market in Vietnam — Bustling streets at the Hoi An Market in Vietnam

Black and white photograph of the coastal fishing village of Twillingate, Newfoundland, Canada

Weathered Edges: Photographs from Twillingate, Newfoundland

Rob Hammer July 23, 2025

Twillingate, Newfoundland: Coastal Photography from a Weathered Fishing Village

Raw and Honest Travel Photography from the North Atlantic Coast of Canada

Twillingate isn’t a polished resort town catering to tourists with deep pockets and that’s what makes it worth photographing. It sits out there on the far edge of Newfoundland facing the North Atlantic like it’s been in a long, quiet standoff with the sea. You don’t end up in a place like this by accident. It’s not on the way to anywhere. It is the end of the road.

What you find when you get there is a real working town. Fishing boats that still leave the docks. Lobster traps stacked high. Salt-stained siding on colorful houses that have stood up to more storms than most people ever will. Everything here feels like it’s been through something and come out the other side tougher.

I didn’t go looking for the postcard version of Newfoundland. I was more interested in the cracks in the paint. The soft fog that swallows the landscape. The feeling of standing in a place that’s been shaped by time, wind, and water.

What to Do in Twillingate (Besides Freeze Your Face Off)

Iceberg Tour

Admittedly I was less than enthusiastic when Emily said she signed us up for an iceberg tour on our first day in Twillingate. It just seemed like a gimmick where you spent too much time on a boat driving out into the middle of the ocean to look at an unimpressive chunk of ice. Now, having done it, I’d say the tour is a must-do!! Pulling out of the harbor we could see an iceberg off-shore, which the captain informed us was 14 miles away!! The ride to get there took about an hour and a half, which might seem long, but the anticipation and changing views of the iceberg makes it a lot of fun. The closer you get, the more details and features reveal themselves. We were both completely blown away. Truly stunned at how magnificent it was up close. One of those things you can try explaining to people but the only way to understand is to experience it for yourself.

*** Bring binoculars - it’s very entertaining to look at all the whales, waterfowl (Puffins), icebergs, and coastline from the boat.

Food in Twillingate

Twillingate isn’t a culinary mecca. It’s a fishing town, so the local offerings are either bar food or seafood (cod), and of course the obligatory Chinese take-out. Annie’s Harbour Restaurant is your best bet for lunch or dinner, and like the name suggests, it’s right on the water so the views are great. Crow’s Nest Cafe is the spot for breakfast. If you’re looking for a drink, head over to Stage Head Pub. They have a bunch of beer on tap including the local Split Rock Brewing Company - made in Twillingate but they don’t have a tasting room, so it’s only available on tap around the island.

Go For A Hike

All around town you’ll see subtle signs for Rockcut - A Walk on The Edge. Rockcut is a series of trails that cover the entire Twillingate area and offer amazing elevated views of the rugged coastline and have offerings for all level of hiker. We did one that started from the Long Point Lighthouse that was a lot of fun and could see all the way (14 miles) out to the iceberg from the previous days tour.

Walk Around Town (with or without a camera)

I’ve always believed that the best way to see and learn about a new place is to walk. And Twillingate isn’t a big place, so walking is an easy option. Early mornings there seem to be quite foggy, providing the perfect vibe for poking around the fishing docks and getting a feel for the locals daily life.

If any of these scenes from Twillingate stuck with you, prints are available, and licensing is always an option for editorial and commercial usage. Contact me directly for options - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Dramatic photograph of an iceberg in Newfoundland, Canada available as a print and licensing — Iceberg seen during a tour from Twillingate, Newfoundland

Black and white photograph of commercial lobster pots stacked up on the docks in Newfoundland, Canada — Lobster pots stacked up on the fishing docks in Twillingate

Stock photograph of homes on the rugged coastline of Newfoundland, Canada — Homes on the rugged coastline of Twillingate

Early morning photograph of a colorful house in Newfoundland, Canada — Early morning in a small Newfoundland town

Stock photograph of a fishing boat in Twillingate, Newfoundland available for licensing — Photograph of boats in the fishing docks in Twillingate

Dramatic black and white photograph of a rock island off the coast of Newfoundland — A rocky island off the northern coast of Newfoundland, Canada

Photograph of a small dock filled with fishing gear and a small boat in Twillingate, Newfoundland — A private fishing dock in Newfoundland

Photograph of the town of Twillingate available for editorial and commercial licensing — The town of Twillingate, Newfoundland, Canada

Fog covered abandoned homes in Twillingate — Fog covering abandoned barns in Twillingate, Newfoundland

Details of old woo fishing docks in Twillingte — Old wooden fishing docks

Commercial fishing boats in the harbor of Twillingate, Newfoundland — Commercial fishing boats fill the docks in Twillingate

Black and white landscape photo of the Twillingate coastline — The rocky coastline of Newfoundland

Fine art print of a commercial fishing boat in Newfoundland

Colorful building in Twillingate, Canda — Colorful dockhouse in the harbor of Twillingate

A pile of lobster pots on the fishing docks in Twillingate, Newfoundland — A stack of commercial lobster pots

Photograph of a rock island off the coast of Twillingate available as a fine art print — A rocky island off the coast of Twillingate

Commercial fishing docks in the coast town of Twillingate — Commercial fishing boats in the harbor of Twillingate, Canada

Fine art print of home on a small cove in Twillingate — Black and white photograph of homes in a small cove on the coast of Newfoundland

Photographs of Helper, Utah: From coal town to creative heaven

Rob Hammer February 13, 2025

Helper, Utah Photographs: Capturing a Desert Artist’s Community

Helper is one of the seemingly endless gems available to any road tripper willing to get off the beaten path while exploring Utah. Years ago I was driving up the 191 and stopped to make a photograph of the old sign for the Balance Rock Motel. I’m a sucker for vintage signage anyway, but this was particularly interesting with the stark desert features in the background. Add in the 7up sign and it became a must stop. Looking around there was no inclination of any sort of civilization, let alone an entire town. While standing there making photographs a policeman stopped to ask what I was doing and seemed satisfied enough with the answer. Afterward I continued on my way, thinking there was nothing else in the area at all to photograph. Some ten years later I discovered a thriving artist community in Helper, tucked away off the 191. The 191 is a stunning backroad for people driving south from Salt Lake City and continuing east on the 70. Driving into town is sort of a “holy shit” moment. Why is this town here and how does it survive? And the only real answer is art! Helper, Utah is an artist community in the middle of nowhere filled with galleries! It’s such an incredibly unique place. In all my travels I’ve never really seen anything like it. And the excitement that comes from discovering such a town is what keep me addicting to road trips!

Contact me directly if you’d like to use my photographs of Helper, Utah for editorial or commercial purpose. Prints also available.

Photograph of the Balance Rock Mote Sign in Helper, Utah — The Balance Rock Motel - Helper, Utah

Photograph of the Lasalle restaurant in Helper, Utah — Lasalle’s - Helper, Utah

Black and white photograph of the view up Main Street in Helper, Utah — Main St. - Helper, Utah

Photograph of the Strand Theater on Main St. in Helper, Utah — The Strand Theater in Helper, Utah

Black and white photograph of the Hotel Newhouse in Helper, Utah — The Hotel Newhouse

Paris Street Photography – Black & White Fine Art Prints for Collectors & Licensing

Rob Hammer August 11, 2024

Fine Art Paris Street Photography – Buy Prints & License Iconic Candid Moments

Paris in Candid Street Photographs

Paris is a city that never sits still, but It’s never the monuments or postcard views that catch my eye—it’s the small, fleeting gestures that happen between them. A man lighting a cigarette outside a café, lovers leaning against a bridge, a child tugging on their parent’s coat while the metro doors close. These are the unposed, human stories that feel just as timeless as the stone streets themselves.

Scenes That Define the City

The photographs in this series are rooted in those everyday rhythms, but they’re always in conversation with the architecture. You’ll see the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre, but they’re most often taking a backseat to the quieter neighborhoods of Montmartre, the ironwork of the Métro, and long stretches along the Seine. Every frame holds both movement and permanence—the flow of life set against the permanence of Paris’ history.

Fine Art Prints — Sizes, Editions & Pricing

Each photograph is available as a museum-quality fine art print on archival paper.

Open edition prints start at $60 for 8×10″ sizes.
Limited edition prints are signed, numbered, and available up to 36×53″
Framing and custom sizes are available upon request.

These Paris prints are ideal for homes, creative studios, cafés, or professional spaces that want to carry a touch of the city’s atmosphere. The images are also available for editorial/commercial licensing. Contact me directly for details - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Photograph of a couple embracing on the street in Paris, France

Photograph of two restaurant waiters in Paris, France

Cathedral surrounded by homes in Paris, France

Photograph of two women drinking at a cafe in Paris, France

Photograph of a well dressed woman walking in Paris, France

The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre

Drinking wine and eating cheese in Paris, France

Looking at a Monet painting in the Louvre

Shadow the Notre Dame Cathedral on buildings along the Siene River in Paris, France

Cape Cod Photography Gallery

Rob Hammer July 13, 2024

Cape Cod Wall Art Prints

Discover the Beauty of Cape Cod: Authentic Local Photographs for Sale

Cape Cod is a unique region known for its iconic east coast landscapes, charming New England villages, stunning coastline and a vibe that you can’t find anywhere else. For me, it’s a place of great sentimental value, as it’s been the destination of our family vacation every summer for as long as I can remember. My grandparents and great grandparents are from Eastham, so part of the yearly ritual is driving by the house they used to live in near Town Cove. My earliest memories on the Cape all involve an annual case of Poison Ivy, but none the less I love it as much as any place in the world. And I know there are other families out there who share that same love for Cape Cod. So please enjoy these photographs of places that I frequent year after year. And contact me directly if you’d like a print for your home or office - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Why Choose Cape Cod Photography?

Cape Cod offers a unique blend of natural and cultural beauty that is perfect for collectors who value authenticity. From the iconic lighthouses standing tall against dramatic skies to the tranquil beaches bathed in golden light, every photograph tells a story of this beloved New England destination. These images evoke memories of sun-drenched summers, quiet off-season strolls, and the timeless allure of coastal life.

Authentic Local Perspectives

When you purchase a photograph from a Cape Cod photography gallery, you’re investing in more than just a picture. Each image is a reflection of the artist’s personal connection to the region. Local photographers know how to capture Cape Cod’s ever-changing light, its seasonal moods, and the small details that make it so special—from weathered shingle cottages to the iconic cranberry bogs.

Perfect for Home Décor and Gifts

A well-chosen Cape Cod photograph can transform a room, adding a sense of serenity and nostalgia. These artworks also make thoughtful gifts for friends and family who cherish the Cape or want to remember their time here. Many galleries offer framed and unframed prints in various sizes to suit your needs.

Supporting Local Artists

By purchasing from a Cape Cod photography gallery, you’re supporting local artists and helping to preserve the region’s artistic heritage. Many galleries also host events, artist talks, and exhibitions, offering a deeper connection to the art and the stories behind the images.

Visit a Cape Cod Photography Gallery Today

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to photography as an art form, Cape Cod’s galleries have something for everyone. Explore unique collections that capture the essence of the Cape and take home a piece of its magic.

Black and white beach photograph of First Encounter Beach in Cape Cod — First Encounter Beach in Cape Cod

Photography print of Mayflower Beach on Cape Cod, Massachusetts — Mayflower Beach - Cape Cod - Masachusetts

Photograph of Sesuit Harbor Cafe in Cape Cod — Sesuit Harbor Cafe - Cape Cod

Photograph from a whale watching trip on Cape Cod — Whale Watching - Cape Cod, MA

Black and white photograph of a raw bar in Cape Cod — Raw Bar - Cape Cod

Photograph of people waiting for ice cream at Mac's on the Pier in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, Cape Cod — Mac’s - Wellfleet

East Coast Photography

Rob Hammer January 15, 2024

Small Town America - Photography

Road Trip - American Culture

Cross country road trips have been a constant in my life for the past 12+ years, particularly in late December driving from San Diego, CA to upstate NY to visit family for Christmas. This year though, it was significantly shorter as we are currently living in North Carolina. If you want advice on the most soul sucking drive in the USA, it’s I95 from Raleigh to Albany. Avoid it at all costs. I did it once in a straight shot due to a severe lack of time and will never do it again. As a photographer you’re much better off committing to the many backroads that will get you to the same place while also delivering a much better experience. Here are a few images from PA and NY. Pennsylvania has always been a fascinating state. There is a sadness to a lot of the towns, particularly in the rust belt, but they are all undeniably American. Plenty of towns in America could be anywhere in America, but the majority of Pennsylvania makes you acutely aware that you are in a place.

Click here to see more of my American Photography

Road Trip Photo Book

Rob Hammer December 9, 2023

Photography Book - American Road Trip

Open Road - Travel - Photography Prints - Wall Art

Crazy to think that American Road Trip Photography is a genre entirely in itself. So many of the greats like William Eggleston, Robert Frank, and Stephen Shore (to name only a few) paved the way with photographs published into iconic photo books of a pastime that is more popular today than it ever was, especially after COVID.

My American Road Trips started 12 years ago and have average 35,000 miles per year of open road ever since. At first there was no real intention other than to have fun making photographs in a state of pure freedom, because that’s what road trips are all about. Obviously I’ve taken heaps of inspiration from my hero’s, but it’s also important to never compare yourself to them. Never thinking how does my photo book stack up to theirs? Rather, what can I/you/we contribute to the genre in our own way. As I step away from Roadside Meditations for long periods, then come back to it, I feel proud of the work and hope that it inspires others to get out there to experience America by car. The way it’s supposed to be seen. And hopefully, you’ll take your dog with you too!

Click here to pick up a copy of my American road trip photography book - Roadside Meditations.

Fine art prints are also available from this series. Contact me directly to purchase wall are for your home, office, or commercial space - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Lake George Nature Photography

Rob Hammer November 10, 2023

Lake George Landscape Wall Art

Adirondacks in the Fall - Prints

Feeling very grateful after spending the entire month of October in the Adirondacks, more specifically in Lake George, NY. And what a time it was to be there with the fall foliage in all it’s glory. After living in a place essentially without seasons (San Diego), it was refreshing to be around all that color. I did some shooting for a regional magazine which required a lot of hiking around the lake up Pilot Knob Trail, Black Mountain Trail, and Cat Mountain Trail. The main focus was to shoot hiking, but of course the surroundings were so inspiring that I had to make some landscape photographs along the way. Can you call these landscapes?? I suppose they are more abstract nature photographs.

Contact me directly about Lake George wall art. All of my images are available as prints in varying sizes for your home, office, or commercial space.

Black and white photograph of a forest in Lake George, NY — Fine art nature photograph in Lake George, NY - Adirondacks

Lake George, New York landscape photography — Lake George Nature Photography - Adirondacks

Photography print of the fall foliage in Lake George, NY — Lake George Nature Photography Prints

Photograph of a hike in Lake George, NY during the fall foliage — Fall foliage in Lake George, NY - Nature Photography

Landscape photography of a forest in Lake, George, NY during fall foliage — Nature Photography - Lake George, NY - Adirondack Prints

Black and white nature photograph of the forest in Lake George, NY — Black and white nature photography - Lake George, NY

American Road Trip Photography

Rob Hammer June 17, 2023

The Great American Road Trip - Photography

When are you supposed to say enough is enough and move on to another subject? Roadside Meditations was published a few months back, which would (should?) be the logical line in the sand stating ok, you did the thing, now try something else! And a person smarter than myself would probably do that! History thus far does not comply. My long term personal project are just that, personal. So I might partially focus on a new subject, but I’m always on the look-out for images that fit the older projects too. It’s not intentional. It just is. I love these projects and can’t help myself.

Click HERE to purchase a copy of Roadside Meditations or contact me directly to inquire about prints of my American road trip photography.

Photograph of a road going through a beautiful cattle ranch in Montana — Wyola, Montana

Landscape photo of the California desert — California desert

Photograph of a vast Wyoming landscape — Wyoming

Photograph of a train going through the landscape of Parker, Wyoming — Parker, Wyoming

California desert road trip photo — California desert

Photograph of plants in the California desert — California desert

Aerial Photograph of a road going through a desolate section of the California desert — California desert

Montana Road Trip

Rob Hammer June 1, 2023

Talking highly about Montana is better left to the most lyrical of wordsmiths because I certainly can’t do that place any justice. Maybe that should be a personal goal? I’m fresh off the road after spending over a week in that glorious state and can’t wait to go back. This trip was particularly visual due to to the heavy winter snowfall that made everything greener than green. I’ve never been to Ireland, but the particular hue off grass felt more like something you could only see there. Check back soon to see images from the two cattle ranches I photographed, but don’t expect any images of trout. Those are only in my head.

Road Trip Photography Book

Rob Hammer May 18, 2023

The Open Road -

Photography and the Great American Road Trip

Results for the American Photography 39 Competition are in and filled with a massive amount of incredible images from so many photographer that I look up to. So it’s a real honor having two of my images from Roadside Meditations be a part of it.

Roadside Meditations

Hanoi, Vietnam Photography

Rob Hammer May 1, 2023

Hanoi, Vietnam Street Photography

Available for editorial and commercial licensing

Hanoi has an energy that gets under your skin. The streets are alive with movement — motorbikes weaving through alleys, kids chasing each other between fruit stands, vendors setting up shop on the sidewalk like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Every corner has its own rhythm, and walking with a camera feels like stepping into a never-ending stream of stories.

I carried one body and one lens, and let that limitation push me into seeing differently. Some moments you catch, others slip away, but that’s the beauty of street work. It’s fast, unpredictable, and brutally honest. These frames from Hanoi are part of a larger body of travel work I’ve been building, and they’re available for editorial and commercial licensing.

Why Photograph Hanoi This Way

I wanted to keep it simple — one lens, one perspective. The city doesn’t need much help telling its own story. Life spills out everywhere: coffee brewed streetside, scooters stacked three deep at stoplights, laundry hanging above sidewalks. Photographing it felt less about finding “shots” and more about staying open long enough to let them find me.

Street Life and Daily Rhythm

Markets buzzing before sunrise, old men playing checkers on plastic stools, women carrying baskets balanced across their shoulders — Hanoi’s everyday life has a timeless quality. These photographs are less about the place on a map and more about the pulse of human movement.

Licensing Use Cases

These images are available for:

Travel and culture magazine features
Editorial stories on Southeast Asia and Vietnam
Commercial campaigns for tourism, hospitality, and lifestyle brands
Website or social content for companies wanting authentic imagery from Hanoi

Licensing Information

Each project is unique. I offer a range of options — from single-use editorial licenses to commercial rights packages — depending on how the images will be used. If you’re working on a story, campaign, or brand project and need photographs of Hanoi street life, I’d be glad to put something together for you.

The streets of Hanoi have a way of pulling you in. They’re noisy and chaotic, but at the same time full of small, quiet moments worth holding onto. That’s what I wanted these photographs to be — honest reflections of a place in motion.

If you’d like to license these images, or discuss a project that needs photography in this part of the world, reach me directly at rob@robhammerphotography.com..

Hanoi, Vietnam street photography available for editorial and commercial licensing — Hanoi, Vietnam street photography

Stock photograph of a street food vendor in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi, Vietnam street culture photography - Travel — The streets of Hanoi, Vietnam

Photograph of chickens in a cage on the street before being killed for serving in a street restaurant — Caged chickens at a restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam

Stock photograph of a woman cleaning chickens on the street in Hanoi, Vietnam — A woman preparing dead chickens to cook at a restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam

Photograph of various fried fish for sale on the street in Hanoi, Vietnam — Fish for sale on the street in Vietnam

Photograph of various shellfish for sale on the street in Hanoi, Vietnam — Shellfish for sale on the street in Hanoi, Vietnam

Photograph of a woman selling fruit on the street in Hanoi, Vietnam — Stock photograph of a woman selling watermelons on the street in Hanoi, Vietnam

Stock photograph of man and his shoe repair station on the street in Hanoi, Vietnam — Shoe repairman on the street in Vietnam

Stock travel photography of Hanoi, Vietnam

Fresh eggs hanging on a motor bike on the streets of Hanoi, Vietnam — Hanoi, Vietnam Street Photography available for editorial and commercial licensing

Stock photograph of the world famous "Train Street" in Hanoi, Vietnam. Available for editorial and commercial licensing — Train Street in Hanoi, Vietnam

Stock photograph of a woman's bike in Hanoi, Vietnam stacked with fruits and vegetables — A Vietnamese woman carrying food on her bicycle to sell on the streets of Hanoi

Road Trip Photos - USA

Rob Hammer March 24, 2023

Photography and the Great American Road Trip

Road Trip Photo Book

It’s a good thing most people only think of Las Vegas when Nevada gets brought up. Otherwise it gets thrown into the “fly over state” category. Staying that way would be just fine. The hoards can go elsewhere and leave the untamed beauty to the rest of us that truly appreciate it. Of the states many redeeming qualities, under populated ranks very high on the list. I’d argue it has everything, but that’s an obvious bias. The biggest draw is almost endless open roads, which is why it fits so nicely for my Roadside Meditations series. One of those places that really allows your mind to wander. Beyond that, it’s got sage brush, deserts, mountains, snowboarding, fly fishing, and cattle ranches. What more does a guy need? All joking aside, Nevada is a really special place. Another one that took me a while to understand or appreciate, but now the hooks are firmly planted. Desert mornings and evenings offer a vibe you can’t find elsewhere. It’s something about the light mixed with the color palette and textures of the landscape. I’ve spent many a night sleeping in my truck in Nevada, waking up to sunrises that rival any in the country.

Click here to pick up a copy of Roadside Meditations

Contact me directly about American road trip photography prints for your home, office, or commercial space - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Desert road near Goodsprings Nevada - American Road Trip Photography - Rob Hammer — Goodsprings, Nevada - Road Trip Photography

Desert road near Goodsprings, Nevada - American Road Trip Photography — Goodsprings, Nevada - American Road Trip

Jean, Nevada -Photography - American Road Trip — Jean, Nevada - Road Trip Photography

Hawthorne, Nevada Photo - American Road Trip — Hawthorne, Nevada - American Road Trip Photography

Sandy Valley, Nevada - American Road Trip Photography — Sandy Valley, Nevada - Travel Photography - America

Sandy Valley, Nevada - Road Trip- American — Sandy Valley, Nevada - Road Trip Photo Book

Walker Lake, Nevada - American Road Trip Photography — Walker Lake, Nevada - American Photography

Hawthorne, Nevada - American Road Trip Photography - Rob Hammer — American Road Trip Photography

Gardnerville, Nevada Carson Valley Photo — Carson Valley, Nevada - American Photography

Driving Through America

Rob Hammer March 17, 2023

American Road Trip Photography

More from the road this winter. You never know what you’ll find out there, which is most of the draw. If you knew, what fun would it be? That’d be like fly fishing if you were guaranteed a catch every single time out. It’s about the hunt. The coyote image is a great example how the road always keeps you guessing. I only found them because of a pee break on the side of some desert parking lot in the middle of the Nevada desert. Parking lot is the only word available, because it didn’t seem a need for one. There was nothing around for miles and miles. Nevada desert. Which begs the question, why were the coyotes there? Clearly they were killed by hunters and placed carefully in that spot. It took effort to drag them from the kill location. Why not just leave them there? We’ll never know. Nor does it matter. Just the kind of thing you see on the road.

Click here to see more of my America series

Dave's Pubb - Tetonia, Idaho - dive bar - photo - America — Dave’s Pubb - Tetonia, Idaho

Photograph of the Lovelock Speedway - Lovelock, Nevada — Lovelock Speedway - Lovelock, Nevada

Dead coyotes in the Nevada desert -photo — Nevada desert

Mojave, California Photo Train Windfarm — Mojave, California

Hawthorne, Nevada - movie theater - photo — Hawthorne, Nevada

Frames Magazine

Rob Hammer March 9, 2023

Photography Podcast - Frames Magazine

It’s rewarding connecting with people that you’re on the same page with. The motto at Frames Magazine is “Because excellent photography belongs on paper”. For quite some time I’ve been saying that photography belongs on your wall, not your phone. So you can see the natural connection to the people at Frames. They get it. So I was honored to be interviewed about Roadside Meditations by W. Scott Olsen for their podcast. Scott is as talented a photographer as he is an interviewer and writer. If you’re into long form photo essays about travel, check out the piece he did on traveling the country by train - Scenes From a Moving Window . It’s a lot of fun. Here is a link to my episode on the Frames Photography Podcast.

And here is a link to purchase Roadside Meditations

Road Trip

Rob Hammer March 9, 2023

Road Trip Photographer - America - Open Road

What a winter it’s been. The snow just keeps on coming. Made an impromptu road trip up to Jackson Hole again for a mix of business and pleasure. More on the business part coming soon! We had two days of incredible backcountry snowboarding. The best of which was in Grand Teton National Park, where the snow was literally as good as it gets. Felt like floating on a cloud. The road trip portion was a lot of fun too, although the weather conditions made it quite interesting. On the way south while driving through northern Nevada, an emergency alert popped up on my phone. I figured it was just an overreaction, then got slammed with some of the worst driving conditions I’ve ever witnessed during 10+ years of road trips. The snow and wind was so heavy, that there were moments when I couldn’t figure out if the car was moving forward or backwards. It was also the first time I ever called it and got a hotel due to weather. That hour and a half of driving in those conditions completely fried my eyes and brain. Gotta love the road. It keeps you honest. Will be posting new images soon from the cowboy project.

The American Road Trip - Photo Book

Rob Hammer March 9, 2023

Photographing the American Road Trip

Photo Book - Americana - Open Road

Very happy to see Roadside Meditations is being received so well over in Europe. LF Magazine did a feature on it, which you can use Google Translate to read HERE.

Or click here to purchase a copy of my book on American Road Trip Photography - Roadside Meditations

LF Magazine - Spain - Roadside Meditations - Rob Hammer - Fine art photography book — American Road Trip Photo Book

Road Trip Book

Rob Hammer February 10, 2023

Photographing the American Road Trip

Another feature for Roadside Meditations! Very grateful and hope they keep coming! This one is over on the photography website All About Photo, which does a great job of featuring and writing about some very inspiring photography projects. Honored to have my latest photography book on the American Road Trip be a part of it.

Click here to read the article

Click here to order a copy of the book

American road trip photography book Roadside Meditations featured on All About Photo .com — Best photo book on the Great American Road Trip

Best book about the American Road Trip

Rob Hammer February 10, 2023

Fine Art Road Trip Photography

The Open Road - America

It’s great to see Roadside Meditations getting some press, especially overseas. L’Oeil de la Photographie in France did a piece on it. You can head over to their website and use Google Translate to read it. If you’re wondering, those fancy looking words mean “The Eye of Photography” in English. Any press for the book is welcomed, but it feels particularly good being featured in magazines that specialize in photography.

Click here to read the article

Click here to order a copy of the book

Road Trip Photography Book

Rob Hammer February 6, 2023

American Road Trip Photography

Photo Book - The Open Road

Last week on the drive home from Wyoming I listened to a great podcast with Rick Ruben and Rich Roll. Rick is such a unique and inspiring individual with an immense amount of knowledge from a lifetime of varying experiences. Of the many nuggets he dropped on the show, this one stuck out the most - “The audience comes last, in service to the audience. The audience wants the best thing. They don’t get the best thing when you’re trying to service them. They get the best thing when you’re servicing yourself. When you’re true to who you are”.

That’s an invaluable statement for any creator to hear and it sums up exactly how I feel about photography, for personal projects as well as commercial work. Very rarely do you see commercial work that has any great effect on people or the world of photography, because it’s watered down generic imagery that’s sole purpose is to sell a product and feature the companies logo as many times as possible. Nobody wants to take a risk. They want to play it safe and not ruffle any feathers. Seldom does an ad campaign come out with historical significance or staying power. They are about now! How much can we sell now!!?? So what does this have to do with a photography book? Everything. If I or any other photographer set out to make a book strictly with the audience in mind, it would suck. The intention would be glaringly obvious and the images would reflect a direct lack of caring. The title of the book might as well be Money Grab.

Roadside Meditations is a niche subject that’s not for everyone, which you could argue is the case for any fine art book. If it were for everyone, it wouldn’t be worth a damn. To further Ruben’s above quote, I’d like to share how my latest photo book came to be. A few years back I began collaborating with (now) photo editor/consultant Alexa Becker (Germany). At the time she was working for Kehrer Verlag and I was trying to pitch her one (maybe three?) different book ideas, none of which landed. Her interest in my work seemed genuine though, so I kept in touch. And at one point I reached out asking simply for a consultation on my “America” series. After a half dozen back and forths through Zoom, she pulled a few outlying images from my edit and asked if I had anything else that might go along with it. I did, so she began assembling a side edit. A while later she had the beginnings of Roadside Meditations, and told me to forget all about the America series, because “this” was the book! Turns out she was right, and all the roadside images I made thinking they were just accents to the bigger series, was IT all along. The point is that I never had anything in mind for the photos. I wasn’t making them for anyone but myself, and maybe one or two of them might find their way into a book, print, whatever?? Well, here we are a year and a half later, and a large shipment of books is scheduled to arrive from Germany in less than a half hour. So much has happened since then. I’ve continued shooting images that would fit into a Roadside Meditations Vol. 2, but that’s not the intention. The images are only made because I’m drawn to make them. And it would be a bonus if another book happened to develop. Vol.1 isn’t out in the world yet, so there is nothing to say people even want it, but I’m still a firm believer that “the audience comes last, in service of the audience.”

Click here to purchase a copy of Roadside Meditations

Fine art photography book Roadside Meditations by Kehrer Verlag and Rob Hammer — Fine Art Road Trip Photography Book